The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-04-13
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
CHIMES OF NORMANDY.


Portland has for years been considered
musical city. She has brought out more vo-
cal and instrumental talent than is usually
found in cities several times her size. Her
Hayden and Rossini Clubs have been COM
plimented by the leading musical critics of
the country on occasions that have proved
of national Importance, as, for instance
at the time of the Peabody ceremonies. Her
male singing societies have always compared
favorably with the best in point of quality
OF voices and excellence of drill 1t can
thus be seen that great fund was at the
disposal OF any one who had the ability and
influence to create the proper interest in the
formation of a local opera company. Last
winter venture was made in this direction
by the production of Gilbert and Snllivan's
Trial by jury" The opera met with SO
much favor that club was formed and last
night the members favored one of the largest
and most brilliant audiences ever gathered
in Portland Theatre with Planquette's de-
lightful "Chimes of Normandy"
AT the very outset we wish to state that
the performance last night was an unequiv-
ocal success. The opera was not only well
staged and prettily costumed. with an
orchestral accompaniment of eleven pieces,
pos e.aS Saot upOo WCAC iulSo anu VIGIL Ddl-
anced and the soloists were all well chosen,
and some OF them remarkably good. The
performance was far superior to many pro-
Iesslonal representations that have been
given on the same boards. The choruses
were prompt. energetic, full of SPIRIT and
paid excellent attention to the baton OF the
conductor. They acted well too, and made
the action of the piece correspondingly
brisk and effective. The ensembles were
well worked up and no .gaucheries were
n0ticpa HE tn mar the situations in a single
particular.
Miss Bertha Berry made capital Serpo-
lette. She was full of life and abandon,
and she gave the character with all that chic
that is so essential to its proper representa-
ton She was full of by-play and was encored
in all her principal airs. Miss Alice Wood was
a surprise as Germaine. Her rich, powerful
| voice was admirably adapted to the music of
audience to great enthusiasm in, her
| solo numbers, bnt added immensely to
| the effect of much of the concerted music
Her lovely solo, From Pallid Cheek" in
the second act, was imperatively re-demand-
ed, and was. given with great power and ex-
preston. Misses Pierce, Allen, Usher and
| Tarbox were all natural and pleasing in
their respective roles. Mr.. Barnard showed
himself the possessor of charming voice,
| and rendered his barcarolle in the first act
with great sweetness. MI. Mansfield gave
| the music of the Marquis with effect. Mr.
Dennis is to be congratulated for the fire
| and spirit that he put into the character of
the old miser, and Messrs. Talbot and Wa
| terhouse made so much of the parts of the
Bailitf and Notary they were warmly APP
plauded. The bridge scene in the first act
| was a fine bit of good scenery, joined with
artistic grouping of the chorus.
Inc orchestra, IN general. were to be COM
little ''draggy" Mr.. Duncan proved himself
an admirable conductor, and kept his forces
| well in hand.
The audience was extremely demonstra
tive, and caused the calling of the curtain at
| the end OF the second act. Misses Berry and
Wood were the recipients of superb floral
| tributes.
The opera will be repeated tonight, and
the house should be crowded Good seats
still remain on sale.
TAKEN FROM LIFE.
This attractive melo-drama will be brought
out Friday night at Portland Theatre, with
new scenery, startling mechanical effects and
a strong company. The play is in five acts,
and introduces an English training stable
and the celebrated running horse Comet An
exchange says: "The author has given prom
inence of course, to certain parts, which are
lofty in their demands. Their demands are
worthily met. Walter Lee, an artist, Mr.. II
S. Dufheld, moved, looked and spoke as gen.
| luo ouOuiu anu always uO6S. Adle DeuDy
Miss Phosa McAllister, was the grand wo.
man, made grander by the nobility of heI
love; John Denly, her brother, Mr.. Harry
Driscole, performed well his impassioned
role, and Philip Radley, Mr.. w. Ii. Stuart SC
| perfectly presented the manner and conduct
of villain that for the time, he obtained a
| liberal share of contempt and hate. We are
not surprised at the unusual success of this
| play"
MARGARET MATHER
| Mis- Mather, the popular actress, is great
favorite in Portland, and the announcement
yesterday, that she would appear at Portland
Theatre for three nights next week, was re-
ceived with great pleasure by theatre goers.
There is no reason to doubt that the house
| viii not be large enough for her friends on
| those occasions.
NOTES.
A grand outdoor performance of "As You
Like IT. by the prominent professionals who
make their summer home at Manchester-by-
seems tits likely to occur in fact THE actors
are trying to arrange the following cast
kosalind, Nine Modjeska; Orlando, Maurice
Barrymore; Jacques, Osmond Tearle; Aud
rey, Ages Booth; Celia, Mrs. Osmond Tearle
| Oliver, Frank Lane; Charles, William Null
| doom. If everything is carried out as planned
the substantial ground, trees and flowers
| Will constitute the scenery, and the substan-
tlal price for viewing nature and art combin-
ed will be So seat.
"Ruddygore" drew over $1,000 at the
Globe Boston, last week this indicates bet
ter houses than expected
Changes at the Boston theatres next week
Hollis Street, Rose Coghlan Boston, Henry
Chanfrau. Howard Tony Pacfor